THE widow of brave firefighter James Shears, who died battling a blaze in a high-rise flat block in Southampton, has paid a touching Father’s Day tribute to her hero husband.

Speaking publicly for the first time, Carla Shears , told the Daily Echo: “James was a wonderful, hands-on dad; our two sons Frankie and Ruben were his number one priority.

“Although Ruben is only four and Frankie will be six tomorrow I’ve tried to be as truthful with them as possible.

“I’ve kept it simple and told them that their daddy went in to fight a fire, it got too hot and he died. Although they are very young they understand that James died saving people and they know he is a hero.”

Carla, 33, from Oakdale, Poole, and her sons spent part of Father’s Day at the first Dorset Fire and Rescue Service fire fayre at Poole Park yesterday.

She said: “It’s been hard but we are coping. Everyone has rallied round since James’ death; as a family we have received so much support.

“Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have been amazing and I’d particularly like to thank Red Watch based at St Mary’s in Southampton.”

James, 35, was serving alongside his Southampton colleague Alan Bannon when they were both killed on duty on April 6.

Carla said: “James and Alan were really good friends; I’d met Alan and his family at functions. Like us, Alan’s family are getting through it one day at a time.”

James and Carla had been a couple for 14 years after meeting at Reading University. Carla said: “We had been married for seven years; James was a very loving father and an equally wonderful, caring husband.

“Despite what’s happened to him I still support the Fire Service 100 per cent and that is why I wanted to come here today.”

James’ father Ed, 62, and his youngest brother, Gary, 28, also attended the fire fayre.

Ed said: “Coming here has brought it all back but we have to be strong for Carla and the boys.

“We want to thank everyone for their help and support during a very difficult time. James was the eldest of my four sons and I am so proud of him.”

Gary, a cosmetic factory manager, cut a holiday short to ensure he could attend the fire fayre. He said: “James was my role model and we were very close. It has been hard coping without him but events like this have helped us, as well as all the support we have received from friends and family.”

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service’s media and communications manager Carol Longham said the first fire fayre had been a great success.

She added: “As well as getting vital safety messages across we wanted everyone to have a good time. Thanks to the fine weather, it has been a very enjoyable and popular event.”